The global economic crisis caused tectonic shifts in all economic sectors, and energy sector was not spared. Earlier projections for consumption of electricity are not valid anymore, and that is just argument in favour of a brand new energy strategy. We expect the new draft of the strategy in the second half of the year, and we don't intend to prepare it just to put my name on it, but because the changing realities demand a new paper.

With the arrival of winter, many residents of Central and Eastern Europe are probably recalling last year’s cold, when Russia decided to stop gas supplies to Ukraine. That was a harsh reminder that gas is currently Kremlin’s most important political instrument, used by Moscow to bring back the privilege it once had in the countries it now deems are in other camp. If Russia is allowed to continue imposing her rules in Europe’s energy supply sector, the result will be very expensive, not only for Europe, but for Russia as well.